Casualties unknown

1992-09-20: Cessna 152 (N46076) — Usaf Langley Aero Club — Gloucester, VA

Gloucester, VA, US

On September 20, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N46076) operated by Usaf Langley Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Gloucester, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO RECOVER FROM AN INTENTIONAL STALL, WHICH RESLUTED IN INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH THE GROUND. PILOT INEXPERIENCE IS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot on her third solo flight crashed after the airplane slowed to 41 knots and descended 1,000 feet in 12 seconds. The airplane struck trees and came to rest inverted. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Accident Details

A student pilot with 26 hours of flight experience was on her third supervised solo flight, the first conducted outside the airport traffic pattern. Earlier on the accident date, she had been instructed to practice several maneuvers, including power-off imminent stalls, which she had performed during a dual flight.

Flight Sequence

Radar data showed the airplane performing several maneuvers, including slow flight at an airspeed of about 65 knots. Prior to the accident, the airplane was at 2,400 feet MSL and slowed to 41 knots indicated airspeed. The airplane then descended approximately 1,000 feet in about 12 seconds before radar contact was lost.

Wreckage Examination

The airplane crashed in a wooded area, striking trees in a steep descent angle. It came to rest inverted. Examination of the airplane did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction. The flaps were found in the fully down position.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15609. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.